Ascot Racecourse chief exectuvie Charles Barnett said yesterday: “It is clear we let down many of our premier enclosure customers yesterday with a well intentioned but misguided policy.

“No customer should be expected to pay for such an experience and we have taken the view that all premier enclosure visitors yesterday will receive a full refund.

“We have worked very hard for many years to establish ourselves as a benchmark for customer service and are making this statement to reinforce that we will not allow our reputation as a welcoming sports venue to be tarnished by an isolated lack of judgement on our part.

“We will work through the logistics of the refunds tomorrow. Most people will have booked in advance or paid by card on the day but we will look after cash customers too and anyone who still has their admission badge should hold onto it.”